Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Living at peace

Proverbs 14v30 “A heart at peace gives life to the body.”

Most people are seeking peace. We also know that this proverb has much truth: our “mental health” impacts our “physical health”. The problem is that we often seek for peace in the wrong places.

Jesus does not paint a pretty picture when he is foretelling the future of this world: “Many will come … and deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places … Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death …” Matthew 24v5-10

In amongst all this, Jesus says “See to it that you are not alarmed,” and Luke records Jesus saying, “Make up your mind not to worry beforehand …” Luke 21v14. Do you notice the emphasis of responsibility? It is for me to “See to it” and to “Make up my mind”!

So how can I exercise this responsibility to live at peace?

  • Recognise that peace is a gift of God
  • Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14v27). This is not a peace we can generate, but one we receive.
  • The peace the world offers is based on circumstances: maybe a quietness, or no interruptions, or no problems … The peace Jesus offers is the one that enabled him to sleep in the storm. It is based on the complete assurance that whatever happens around me and to me, “nothing will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 8v39). God’s gift of Jesus is a gift of peace – peace with God, peace with ourselves and peace with others.
  • Receive God’s peace

In Philippians 4v4-9, Paul has three actions for us to take to receive God’s peace.

  • Firstly: pray to God. Taking your burdens, worries, fears and anxieties as requests to him. In prayer, we express our dependence and trust in God and so Paul writes, “with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (4v6). Handing our concerns to God is the first step to receiving peace, but don’t stop here!
  • Secondly: meditate on godly truth. Paul instructs us to think about what is “true … noble … right … pure … lovely … admirable” (4v8). Meditating on the truths of the love of God shown in Jesus Christ is the second step to receiving peace.
  • Thirdly: put the truth of God into practice in our daily living: “Whatever you have learned … put it into practice” (4v9). Living the way that God calls us to live and being obedient to him brings us His peace. This is what Jesus means when he says, “Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry …” (Matthew 6v33). If you are following God, of course he is going to provide for you!

I think we can often be inclined just to pray. We find release for a time and then the concerns bounce back. Let’s follow through with godly meditation and godly action, then, “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” And “the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4v7,9

With love and blessing,

Roland